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Curiosities of ancient Rome

The world of ancient Romans abounded in a number of amazing curiosities and information. The source of knowledge about the life of the Romans are mainly works left to us by ancient writers or discoveries. The Romans left behind a lot of strange information and facts that are sometimes hard to believe.

Gladiator’s pernicious fame

Gladiator Spiculus convinced himself that life in grace is uncertain and changeable and that nothing lasts forever. He fought in the arena, he was the favourite of the emperor, he gained fame and enormous wealth, which every Roman certainly dreamed of, but it was this that ultimately led him to destruction.

A vessel with gladiators

Roman basilica in London

The three-story basilica built by the Romans in Londinium, distant from the capital of the Empire, was the largest structure of this type located north of the Alps. Constructed in 70 CE, enlarged in the years 90-120, it was the seat of the then city authorities, administration, treasury, temples and courts.

The cellars of the barbershop with the visible foundations of the Roman  basilica

Roman remains and fragments of belt

Roman remains and fragments of the belt found in the grave. The objects are dated to the 4th century CE. The discovery was made in the town of Niš (southern Serbia) – the ancient necropolis of Naissus. Both Christians and followers of traditional Roman deities were buried there.

Roman remains and belt fragments

Roman animal brooches

Roman animal-shaped brooches: horse and bird. The objects are made of bronze and are dated to the 3rd-4th century CE. Artefacts were found in Sirmium (current city of Sremska Mitrovica in northern Serbia). The facilities are located in the museum in Sremska Mitrovica.

Roman animal shaped brooches

Mighty Pompey the Great

The conquests of Gnaeus Pompey in the east were so spectacular that the living at that time compared the Roman commander to the famous Alexander the Great – hence he later adopted the nickname “the Great”, meaning Magnus. His strength and political significance grew so much that in practice he was the independent king in the years 66-62 BCE.

Pompey the Great

Roman mosaic showing church

Roman mosaic showing the church in the form of an early Christian basilica. The object dates to the fifth century CE; currently, it is located in the Louvre Museum (France).

Roman mosaic showing the church

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